University Students Finishing up First Online Semester
FREDERICTON – University students were shocked, but not surprised when they learned their fall semester would be online.
The decision from Canadian universities came in June. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, classes would be too large and put students at risk for community spread of the virus. This new online learning followed after students’ classes were switched to remote learning back in March when the universities first had to close. Students have previously stated that they didn’t enjoy online class back then, but knew it would only be to finish up their exams for that winter semester.
Now, at the end of November, students are wrapping up their first semester of teaching themselves through online lectures.
Third-year UNB Psychology student, Jillian Hodgson, had to create her own workspace within her apartment to ensure a quiet area to concentrate. Before the semester started, she bought a new desk, chair, and even a new laptop.
Hodgson says this semester has been like no other in the last three years. She says professors have been giving more work than usual – and having to teach herself all the content makes it even harder.
“I definitely think there’s less motivation for me personally, working from home this semester. Because I’m the one who has to motivate myself, compared to previous years where there was more of a driving force behind me. I had somewhere to go and somewhere to be versus me having to find it all on my own,” said Hodgson.
Because she has to set aside time from her day to focus on schoolwork, Hodgson has developed some tips and tricks that have helped her stay sane.
“Something that helped me get through this semester is creating a space that’s really comfortable and somewhere you feel you can get things done and where you can really focus on your work.”
She believes it’s important to find that balance of space wherever you are working.
Another third-year UNB student, Sarah Blakely, has used the same tips and tricks as Hodgson. She has created a work area in front of her window that allows her fresh air and sunlight as she works towards her Medicinal Chemistry degree.
But she has also developed her own studying technique to reduce stress this semester.
“I have also started using an iPad to take my notes – which helps keep everything in one place so I’m not searching for things when it comes to tests and studying,” said Blakely.
Both Hodgson and Blakely are looking forward to their upcoming Christmas breaks. Both students believe it will be essential in curing the burnout and lack of motivation students are feeling right now.
Although, Hodgson says, “there’s not a huge break in between the two [semesters], and once again, we’re not going from campus to home, we’re just staying at home so we won’t really feel that break as much. I do think a lot of people, including myself, will feel the loss of steam throughout the winter semester.”
These two students, as well as many others, are hoping that some restrictions can loosen up on campus and they can start visiting it again to study during the week to make online classes feel more real.
